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TideSmart Talk with Stevoe recently broadcast it’s first show from the TideSmart Talk with Stevoe Studio in Falmouth, Maine. The new studio, located on the TideSmart Global corporate campus, offers a state-of-the-art dedicated space for show recordings, broadcast and agency audio production.

The April 7 show features in-studio interviews with former media executive, author and current Portland Sea Dogs Chairman Bill Burke and Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram Columnist Bill Nemitz. The show also features a phone interview with former NBA All-Star Kevin Willis.

Bill Burke

In the first hour, Stevoe is joined in studio by Bill Burke, experienced media executive, co-author of Ted Turner’s 2008 New York Times best-selling autobiography, “Call Me Ted“, and Portland Sea Dogs chairman.

In this segment, Stevoe and Burke talk about Burke’s family ties to Maine, the experience of co-authoring Ted Turner’s autobiography, and what makes the Sea Dogs a successful family-friendly source of entertainment.

Burke previously served as President and CEO of The Weather Channel Companies, where he oversaw all operations of The Weather Channel® network; weather.com; Weather Services International (WSI); and various digital cable, radio, newspaper and interactive television products. Prior to TWCC, Burke was president and CEO of RSN, a Portland-based broadcast TV and Internet company targeting the active outdoor sports market.

Before coming to RSN, Burke held several key senior management positions at Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting. Hired as Director of Business Development for the Turner Entertainment Group, he developed the business plan for Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and led the development and launch of this network as its first General Manager. In the fall of 1995, Burke was named President of TBS Superstation, Ted Turner’s flagship entertainment service. In October 1999, he was named CEO of News and Information for Time Warner Digital media, where he oversaw the operations of CNN Interactive and Time Inc.’s Internet businesses.

Burke is a trustee of Maine Medical Center, Simulmedia, Inc. and the US Biathlon Foundation. He is also on the advisory boards of Peoples United Bank of Southern Maine and Specific Media, Inc, and he currently serves as Chairman of the Portland Sea Dogs.

Bill Nemitz

Stevoe is also joined by Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram Columnist Bill Nemitz. As a columnist for Maine’s largest newspaper, Nemitz’ writings have become an essential part of the morning routine for thousands of Mainers. Through his columns, Nemitz has introduced readers to inspiring individuals, exposed politicians, taken us to the front lines of war-torn countries, and sparked important debates about ethics, policy and government.

Nemitz talks with Stevoe about the local politics, media literacy, and the two reminisce about their shared hometown of Needham, Ma. Stevoe also outlines the three catalysts for his involvement in politics.

Nemitz’ first journalism job came at the Waterville Morning Sentinel, where he was a reporter for six years prior to joining the Portland Evening Express. He later spent 10 years as city editor and sports editor at the Portland Press Herald before becoming a columnist. In 2004, Nemitz and photographer Gregory Rec were named Co-Journalists of the year by the Maine Press Association. Nemitz also recieved a Distinguished Service Award from the New England Press Association in 2007.

Kevin Willis

Former NBA All-Star Kevin Willis appeared on TideSmart Talk with Stevoe to talk about the glory days of basketball, fashion, and working with Stevoe in Atlanta.

In the second hour, Stevoe is joined by former NBA All-Star Kevin Willis, a player who made a name for himself as a fierce rebounder during his many years in the league. The 7-footer is among the top 25 rebounders in NBA history, with a career that included an NBA championship in 2003 with the San Antonio Spurs, and being the oldest active player in the league at age 44.

As a former NBA player agent, Stevoe represented Willis for several years, and the two discuss their time working (and playing) together. Willis also discusses his toughest opponents, how the NBA has evolved and fashion for big and tall men.

Born in Los Angeles, Willis played three seasons at Michigan State University, where he majored in fashion and textiles. He was selected in the 1984 draft by the Atlanta Hawks and played with them for nine seasons, teaming with Dominique Wilkins, Spud Webb and Doc Rivers. He was also named team captain along with Wilkins. Willis was traded to the Heat in 1994, and since then has played with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs, where he earned an NBA Championship ring in 2003.

Willis is one of 15 players in NBA history with over 16,000 career points and 11,000 career rebounds. He was named to the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team in 1992, when he finished the season with a career-high average of 15.5 rebounds a game. Willis joined the Dallas Mavericks from 2006-2007, when he became the oldest person to play more than one game in an NBA season, playing until age 44.

After retiring, Willis turned his focus to Willis & Walker, an Atlanta-based fashion company which specializes in custom wear for big and tall men. Willis founded the company with former Michigan State teammate Ralph Walker, and the company is making plans to expand into a lifestyle brand.